The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-11-17

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and wiped his bloody nose, but there was
eyes as they stood before the little teacher
What does this meant" she asked sternly
'tNuthin'," answered Fin.
"Do you call it nothing to kick boy int
the room in that mannerl'
"Wal, didn't he get even with mel LOCI
at this noser' he answered, pointing
dirty finger at his bleeding olfactory organ
Bessie could hardly restrain her mirth
The nose in question seemed to be NOR
atllt than ever, and had already becom'
very red and puffy.
Bessie turned to the dark faced lad. r.
what is your namef' she asked. 81
Frank Volt"
"He's half-breed Cherokee" Smudgt
| volunteered.
want to learn. Want ed'cation," the
half breed remarked.
"An' We want soap, well rubbed in
broke in Fin.
The Indian clenched his fist and made q
step toward the other, who started 10 meet
him. Only the promptness Of Smudge and
the rest prevented open warfare.
After Fin had listened, with due and be-
coming meekness to well-merited rebuke,
Bessie asked him: "What is your name!"
'Fin McGonigaL I'm Nj York Alder
man, in the West for my health
"Do you intend to get an educationl"
Don't care hooter. Came to school
cause its the proper act Pm great on
property, 1 ann
AS test Of his spelling powers, he was
told to spell "Baker.n
"Ax his nibs," he said
"Ask what!" questioned Bessie.
''His nibs"
''What is that"
"Why, that, over there. The dude with
the horse-tail hair. Him." pointing to the
Indian.
A tight was only prevented by Smudge
and the rest Of the peacemakers.
Those two boys caused poor Bessie more
trouble than all the rest of the school.
The Indian was disposed to behave himself,
but was continually gotten into trouble by
Fin, who seemed perfect demon of dis
cord. The day was rarity that did not
witness the beginning of fight between
the two. Hostilities were usually nipped
In the bud by Smudge and his comrades,
whom Bessie appointed as school police.
Fins several accomplishments were a
source Of continual wonder and delight to
the scholars. He could dance several rat
Ting steps Of jingling jig, and, with his
mouth, could initiate surprisingly we'll the
''plink-a-plunk" Of a banjo. The Indian
wore about his waist a neatly
coiled hair lariat, and his one accomplish
ment consisted in being able to launch it
through the air with great accuracy.
Friday afternoon, as a treat to the schol-
ars, Bessie read to them the story of a
good boy, who gave his money to charity,
and of bad boy, who expended his for
confectionery and, as consequence, was
taken alarmingly sick and narrowly es-
capped yawning grave. (Which boy ex-
pended his dollar in the better mannera"
asked Bessie, anxious to impress upon
them moral lesson.
Neither" answered Fin, promptly.
"Why, what would you have done in that
caseW asked the teacher.
"Blowed the gilt in fer cigarettes an
ticket to the variety. Hi! But, that's the
place to have fun! Niger comes out with
clogs on him two foot long Skips out,
banjo an all, tbis-a-way." He sprang to
his feet, and, in order to fully illustrate the
''nigger's" mode of operating began to exc
cute rafting jig, accompanying himself
with his mouth in imitation of banjo. The
scholars howled with delight.
''Stop! stop" cried Bessie.
In his revolution, Fin had managed to get
pretty close to the young Indian, and, now,
as he turned he bestowed a sounding kick
upon the dark lads shins.
The latter sprang up, but both were |
seized by the vigilant school police and |
pushed down into their seats. "What do |
mean by such actionsl" Bessie sternly |
asked of the pugnacious Fin.
''Funp' he answered, laconically.
"You are incorrigible," said Bessie.
'So's the Injun," answered Fin promptly. |
The Indian glared so fiercely at Fin that |
he school police sprang up, but their help |
vas not needed.
At recess Fin began to exhibit his &C
He gave the banjo imita-
ion, which was received with rapturous
ielight by the youngsters.
Outside of the school house the young
lalf-breed, Wolf, crept to point that gave |
lin good view of the interior of the build
ng. He whirled the coils about his head
md launched them forward. The moose
hot through the window and settled over
he head of Fin McGonigal, who was click
ng off a jolly jig.
The scholars were astounded to see Fin
erked over backward, with a cord around
lis neck. His head struck the wall with a
hump that elected yell of pain from Fin,
nd another of satisfaction from the In
ian. When released, Fin dashed out to
stack the Indian, who was awaiting him.
[ reOuired the united effortc of tho aDtira |